Hi. So... this is not a game. It's intended to only ever be played once, and just for 20-30 seconds. Then it saves your data and actions to a basic database, anonymously.
EDIT: If you want to see the "more active" ending, I just uploaded a video playthrough.
EDIT: As @playvue pointed out, I should clarify: The database stores three int variables, all of which are only use to calculate the stats displayed on the final screen. It's to create permanency to your actions, as well as seeing how others have reacted in the situation you were just a part of. Outside of the context of this game, the data won't be used; the database isn't a part of a survey, and I will never use any of the collected data in any other way.
The music is Mozart's Laudate Dominum, as performed beautifully by Advent Chamber Orchestra (you can find a copy @freemusicarchive.org). The sfx is recorded by GoodSoundForYou. I built on top of the Flixel library, and... didn't get to start until very early Sunday morning, so I'm going to go and apologize when the database breaks. :<
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This "game" has a lot to do with US current events. I wanted to capture a lot of my recent emotions--anger, resentment, confusion, disappointment--in as simple of an experience as I could. This was easily the most difficult, not-fun game development I've had. More than a handful of times playtesting, I had to quit and take a break. So I do definitely understand that some of you will be upset at me for forcing this experience on you, and I'm so sorry if it treaded on sensitive issues unannounced or crudely. I also understand that this is kinda the antithesis of what others think of games as--I hope it's not fun or addictive at all. But, that said, I really do appreciate any time you guys spend trying it out, and, I hope you understand.
Nothing happened when I shot (what I presume is) myself.
Are you trying to collect data indicating that people separate their actions in games from what they would do in real-life? The arguments that I have had on that topic are extensive and usually involve me beating my head against a desk.
Why do people shoot the civilians in MW2? What do they think is acceptable about that? What is going through their minds?
@nintendoeats: Mostly I just want to ask players: what if your actions are irreversible and permanently affect something somewhere? There's lots of psychological, and many very real neurochemical, reactions, at play when a person's gaming--and I'm interested in the conflict that happens when reality breaches into that sacred play space. Regarding MW2, I think most gamers like to experiment with the borders of what's possible via their interactions; that's what gaming is: learning new rules and seeing what's possible through them, but MW2's civilians is an unfortunate case representing that. I would love to discuss that more with you. (: Feel free to email me at aaronyyip(at)gmail.com!
At everybody else, thanks for the support and understanding! :D You being speechless will probably be the best compliment I get for this not-game.
This was the most powerful entry that I've played. Exceptional work. I can imagine that this was a difficult creation to share... but I thank you for putting it out there.
@playvue The database stores three int variables, all of which are only use to calculate/display on the final screen. It's to create permanency to your actions, as well as seeing how others have reacted in the situation you were just a part of. Outside of the context of this game, the data won't be used. Maybe I should have clarified that.
This is not a game, it's more of a statement or something to make you think. I'm not good (patient) with reading instructions so I wan't sure what to do. At first I tried to shoot aim at the shooter then I tried to find out what i could do in this game. Of course now I now it's not a game.
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Well done, and I hope that noone will misinterpret it.
Are you trying to collect data indicating that people separate their actions in games from what they would do in real-life? The arguments that I have had on that topic are extensive and usually involve me beating my head against a desk.
Why do people shoot the civilians in MW2? What do they think is acceptable about that? What is going through their minds?
At everybody else, thanks for the support and understanding! :D You being speechless will probably be the best compliment I get for this not-game.
I'm not good (patient) with reading instructions so I wan't sure what to do. At first I tried to shoot aim at the shooter then I tried to find out what i could do in this game.
Of course now I now it's not a game.
The only winning move is
not to play.